Leptin in bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy of spironolactone as adjunctive therapy to sodium valproate in bipolar-I disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of mood and cognitive symptoms of patients with bipolar disorder is associated with many complications and is generally not associated with therapeutic satisfaction. In this clinical trial, we evaluated the effectiveness of spironolactone in controlling mood and cognitive symptoms, sleep quality, appetite, and body mass index in patients with bipolar disorder in manic episodes.

METHODS

Sixty inpatients with bipolar disorder in manic episodes were treated with spironolactone/placebo in an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. They were evaluated using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, and body mass index in weeks 1, 4, and 8.

RESULTS

For cognitive impairment (MMSE), there were significant interaction effects of group and time at week 8 (B = -1.60, SE = 0.69, t = -2.33, p = .021) such that individuals in the spironolactone group experienced more improvement in their cognitive performance. For manic symptoms (YMRS), there were no significant interaction effects of group and time at week 8 (B = -2.53, SE = 1.46, t = -1.73, p = .085).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the promising findings in this clinical trial, further study of spironolactone as adjunctive therapy in bipolar disorder in manic episodes with larger sample sizes, multicenter settings, and longer follow-ups are recommended.

Ketamine study: Protocol for naturalistic prospective multicenter study on subcutaneous ketamine infusion in depressed patients with active suicidal ideation

Background

Psychiatric disorders are associated with more than 90% of reported suicide attempts worldwide, but few treatments have demonstrated a direct effect in reducing suicide risk. Ketamine, originally an anesthetic, has been shown anti-suicide effects in clinical trials designed to treat depression. However, changes at the biochemical level were assessed only in protocols of ketamine with very limited sample sizes, particularly when the subcutaneous route was considered. In addition, the inflammatory changes associated with ketamine effects and their correlation with response to treatment, dose-effect, and suicide risk warrant further investigation. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether ketamine results in better control of suicidal ideation and/or behavior in patients with depressive episodes and whether ketamine affects psychopathology and inflammatory biomarkers.

Materials and methods

We report here the design of a naturalistic prospective multicenter study protocol of ketamine in depressive episodes carried out at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) and Hospital Moinhos de Vento (HMV). The study was planned to recruit adult patients with Major depressive disorder (MDD) or Bipolar disorder (BD) types 1 or 2, who are currently in a depressive episode and show symptoms of suicidal ideation and/or behavior according to the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and have been prescribed ketamine by their assistant psychiatrist. Patients receive ketamine subcutaneously (SC) twice a week for 1 month, but the frequency can be changed or the dose decreased according to the assistant physician’s decision. After the last ketamine session, patients are followed-up via telephone once a month for up to 6 months. The data will be analyzed using repeated measures statistics to evaluate the reduction in suicide risk as a primary outcome, as per C-SSRS.

Discussion

We discuss the need for studies with longer follow-ups designed to measure a direct impact on suicide risk and that additional information about the safety and tolerability of ketamine in particular subset of patients such as those with depression and ideation suicide. In line, the mechanism behind the immunomodulatory effects of ketamine is still poorly understood.

Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT05249309.

Associations of leptin and corticostriatal connectivity in bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) and metabolic disturbance represent a chronic state of low-grade inflammation and corticostriatal circuitry alterations. Herein, we aimed to investigate whether plasma leptin, an adipokine that plays a key role in the interplay of metabolism and inflammation, is associated with corticostriatal connectivity in patients with BD. Twenty-eight BD I patients, 36 BD II patients and 66 healthy controls were enrolled and completed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale, and the Recent Life Change Questionnaire. Fasting plasma leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured, and corticostriatal connectivity was examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The relationships between leptin, CRP and body mass index (BMI) identified in the controls and BD II patients were absent in the BD I patients. We did not find a significant group difference in the leptin level; nevertheless, the negative correlation between leptin level and corticostriatal connectivity (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and inferior temporal gyrus) observed in the healthy controls was absent in the BD patients. The disproportionate increase in leptin level with increasing BMI in BD indicated a potential inflammatory role of white adipose tissue in BD. Furthermore, higher CRP levels in BD I patients might induce leptin resistance. Collectively, our results implied vulnerability to inflammatory and metabolic diseases in patients with BD, especially BD I.

Appetite-regulating hormones in bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Impaired hormonal regulation of appetite may contribute to higher cardiovascular risk in bipolar disorder (BD). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating peripheral blood levels of appetite-regulating hormones in BD and controls. A total of 32 studies were included. Leptin and insulin levels were significantly elevated in patients with BD during euthymia, but not in other mood states. Greater differences in the number of male participants between patients with BD and healthy controls were associated with higher effect size estimates for the levels of insulin. There were significant positive correlations of effect size estimates for the levels of adiponectin with the percentage of individuals with type I BD and duration of BD. Our findings point to the mechanisms underlying high rates of cardiometabolic comorbidities in BD. Moreover, they suggest that investigating hormonal regulation of appetite might help to understand differences in the neurobiology of BD types.

Severe psychiatric disorders and general medical comorbidities: inflammation-related mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders and schizophrenia, are at increased risk of developing other medical conditions, especially cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. These medical conditions are underdiagnosed and undertreated in these patients contributing to their increased morbidity and mortality. The basis for this increased comorbidity is not well understood, possibly reflecting shared risks factors (e.g. lifestyle risk factors), shared biological mechanisms and/or reciprocal interactions. Among overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms, inflammation and related factors, such as dysbiosis and insulin resistance, stand out. Besides underlying the association between psychiatric disorders and cardiometabolic diseases, these mechanisms provide several potential therapeutic targets.

Changes in adipokine concentrations in antidepressant-resistant bipolar depression after ketamine infusion and electroconvulsive therapy

OBJECTIVES

This study attempts to assess the concentration of two opposite-acting adipokines (anti-inflammatory adiponectin and pro-inflammatory resistin) in antidepressant-resistant patients undergoing ketamine infusion (KI) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

METHODS

The study group comprised 52 patients hospitalised due to episodes of depression in the course of bipolar disorders. The Hamilton depression scale was used to assess the intensity of the depression symptoms before starting therapy and one day after its completion. The serum concentration of adipokines was determined before and after the therapeutic intervention using an ELISA method.

RESULTS

Baseline adipokine levels differed between patients receiving KI and ECT therapy. Regardless of the procedure used, these levels changed after treatment, with the nature of these changes being different. In the case of KI, the adiponectin levels increased, and resistin levels decreased. In contrast, after ECT, the concentrations of both adipokines decreased. Changes in adipokine concentrations correlated with improvement in mental status, as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale, type of bipolar disorder, and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Adipokines remain interesting candidate biomarkers in assessing the state and course of the disease depending on the therapeutic procedure applied. However, the relatively small study group and limited original research available for discussion justify further investigation.

Shared postulations between bipolar disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome pathologies

INTRODUCTION

Women with bipolar disorder (BD) present a high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other reproductive disorders even before diagnosis or treatment of the disease. Postulations on the potential molecular mechanisms of comorbid PCOS in women with BD remain limited to influence of medications and need further extension.

OBJECTIVES

This review focuses on evidence suggesting that common metabolic and immune disorders may play an important role in the development of BD and PCOS.

RESULTS

The literature covered in this review suggests that metabolic and immune disorders, including the dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, chronic inflammatory state, gut microbial alterations, adipokine alterations and circadian rhythm disturbance, are observed in patients with BD and PCOS. Such disorders may be responsible for the increased prevalence of PCOS in the BD population and indicate a susceptibility gene overlap between the two diseases. Current evidence supports postulations of common metabolic and immune disorders as endophenotype in BD as well as in PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic and immune disorders may be responsible for the comorbid PCOS in the BD population. The identification of hallmark metabolic and immune features common to these two diseases will contribute to the clarification of the effect of BD on the reproductive endocrine function and development of symptomatic treatments targeting the biomarkers of the two diseases.

Hunger Hormones in Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Adolescents: An Exploratory Study

Background:

Hunger hormones, including ghrelin and leptin, are associated with appetitive behaviors in various psychiatric disorders. Biochemical and hormonal status in disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) in adolescents is largely unexplored.

Objectives:

The study aimed to assess levels of leptin and ghrelin and find their association with lipid profiles in adolescents with DMDD.

Methods:

Twenty adolescents with a DSM 5 diagnosis of DMDD with age and gender-matched 19 healthy controls were recruited, followed by clinical assessment. They were assessed for leptin, ghrelin, and lipid profiles, respectively.

Results:

Adolescents with DMDD were comparable in age, education, family income, domicile status, psychiatric illness in the family, and body mass index (BMI) with matched controls. There was no difference in mean lipid profile and ghrelin in both groups. However, the DMDD group had statistically significant higher mean level of leptin as compared to the control group (t=1.84, p < 0.05). As measured by the Modified Overt Aggression Scale in DMDD, aggression showed a significant positive correlation with measures of lipid profile.

Conclusion:

Adolescents with DMDD have elevated serum leptin levels. Further research is needed to confirm this finding.

Decreased acylated and total ghrelin levels in bipolar disorder patients recovering from a manic episode

BACKGROUND

To date, only few studies have investigated ghrelin levels in bipolar disorders, and all have exclusively measured acylated ghrelin, with none investigating total ghrelin (acylated and des-acylated). We aimed to investigate peripheral levels of acylated and total ghrelin in subjects experiencing a manic episode of bipolar disorder.

METHODS

Peripheral levels of acylated and total ghrelin were measured in hospitalised medicated individuals recovering from a manic episode. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure ghrelin levels in patients and compared with healthy controls. The relationship between ghrelin levels in bipolar disorder, self-reported hunger measures, demographic and clinical parameters was investigated with correlational analyses.

RESULTS

Twenty-four subjects (15 males, 9 females) recovering from mania and 27 matched healthy controls (13 males, 14 females) were recruited for the study. Mean values of both acylated (187 vs.520 pg/mL) and total ghrelin (396 vs. 648 pg/mL) were significantly reduced in bipolar disorder (p = 0.001). Ghrelin levels correlated positively with markers of illness severity and negatively with prescribed mood stabilizers, second-generation antipsychotics, weight and body mass index.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral measurements of acylated and total ghrelin were both reduced in bipolar disorder patients compared to healthy controls. Whilst illness severity promotes higher ghrelin levels, pharmacological treatment and weight gain exercise the opposite effect.

Adiponectin Is Related to Cardiovascular Risk in Severe Mental Illness Independent of Antipsychotic Treatment

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) are severe mental illnesses (SMI) associated with elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, including obesity. Leptin and adiponectin are secreted by adipose tissue, with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties, respectively. The second generation antipsychotics (AP) olanzapine, clozapine, and quetiapine have been associated with high leptin levels in SMI. However, the link between inflammatory dysregulation of leptin and adiponectin and CVD risk in SMI, and how this risk is influenced by body mass and AP medication, is still not completely understood. We investigated herein if leptin, adiponectin or their ratio (L/A ratio) could predict increased CVD risk in SCZ, BD, and in subgroups according to use of antipsychotic (AP) treatment, independent of other cardio-metabolic risk factors. Methods: We measured fasting plasma levels of leptin and adiponectin, and calculated the L/A ratio in n = 1,092 patients with SCZ and BD, in subgroups according to AP treatment, and in n = 176 healthy controls (HC). Differences in the levels of adipokines and L/A between groups were examined in multivariate analysis of covariance, and the correlations between adipokines and body mass index (BMI) with linear regression. CVD risk was defined by total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL) and triglyceride/HDL (TG/HDL) ratios. The adipokines and L/A ratios ability to discriminate individuals with TG/HDL and TC/HDL ratios above threshold levels was explored by ROC analysis, and we investigated the possible influence of other cardio-metabolic risk factors on the association in logistic regression analyses. Results: We observed higher leptin levels and L/A ratios in SMI compared with HC but found no differences in adiponectin. Both adipokines were highly correlated with BMI. The low adiponectin levels showed a fair discrimination in ROC analysis of individuals with CVD risk, with AUC between 0.7 and 0.8 for both TC/HDL and TG/HDL, in all groups examined regardless of diagnosis or AP treatment. Adiponectin remained significantly associated with an elevated TC/HDL and TG/HDL ratio in SMI, also after further adjustment with other cardio-metabolic risk factors. Conclusions: Adiponectin is not dysregulated in SMI but is associated with CVD risk regardless of AP treatment regime.

Leptin mediates improvements in cognitive function following treatment with infliximab in adults with bipolar depression

A potential role for leptin in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) has been proposed. We recently investigated the effects of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonist infliximab in individuals with bipolar depression. Leptin is known to interact with the TNF-α system. Herein, we aimed to explore infliximab's effects on leptin and its relationship with brain structure and function. Sixty adults with bipolar depression were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, 12-week clinical trial of adjunctive infliximab (n = 29) and saline control (n = 31), which were administered intravenously at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Plasma concentrations of leptin, TNF-α and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) 1 and 2 were assessed at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12. We observed a significant decrease in leptin levels in infliximab-treated patients, relative to placebo. Infliximab treatment also significantly reduced TNF-α and sTNFR2, but not sTNFR1 levels. Changes in sTNR2 levels at week 6 significantly determined changes in leptin at week 12 in infliximab-, but not placebo-treated participants. Improvements in verbal memory and increases in global cortical volume were associated with reduction in leptin levels in the treatment group. Mediation analysis indicated that cognitive improvement in infliximab-treated patients was mediated by reductions in leptin levels, which in its turn were determined by decreases in sTNR2 levels. In conclusion, infliximab treatment reduced plasma leptin levels in individuals with BD, through modulation of sTNFR2. Decreases in leptin signaling were associated with an increase in global cortical volume and better performance in a verbal memory task.

Call to action regarding the vascular-bipolar link: A report from the Vascular Task Force of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders

OBJECTIVES

The association of bipolar disorder with early and excessive cardiovascular disease was identified over a century ago. Nonetheless, the vascular-bipolar link remains underrecognized, particularly with regard to how this link can contribute to our understanding of pathogenesis and treatment.

METHODS

An international group of experts completed a selective review of the literature, distilling core themes, identifying limitations and gaps in the literature, and highlighting future directions to bridge these gaps.

RESULTS

The association between bipolar disorder and vascular disease is large in magnitude, consistent across studies, and independent of confounding variables where assessed. The vascular-bipolar link is multifactorial and is difficult to study given the latency between the onset of bipolar disorder, often in adolescence or early adulthood, and subsequent vascular disease, which usually occurs decades later. As a result, studies have often focused on risk factors for vascular disease or intermediate phenotypes, such as structural and functional vascular imaging measures. There is interest in identifying the most relevant mediators of this relationship, including lifestyle (eg, smoking, diet, exercise), medications, and systemic biological mediators (eg, inflammation). Nonetheless, there is a paucity of treatment studies that deliberately engage these mediators, and thus far no treatment studies have focused on engaging vascular imaging targets.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research focused on the vascular-bipolar link holds promise for gleaning insights regarding the underlying causes of bipolar disorder, identifying novel treatment approaches, and mitigating disparities in cardiovascular outcomes for people with bipolar disorder.

The association between leptin and adiponectin, and metabolic syndrome components and serum levels of lipid peroxidation in bipolar disorder patients treated with lithium and valproic acid

BACKGROUND

The aim of study is to assess a relation between the adiponectin and leptin levels, and metabolic syndrome components and lipid peroxidation treated with Li and VPA in bipolar disorder patients and compared with controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

56 patients and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. The ATP III criteria were used to determine metabolic syndrome components. Leptin, adiponectin, lipid peroxidation and lipid profiles were measured.

RESULTS

Malondialdehyde in Li patients was higher than VPA patients. BMI, waist circumference (WC), triglyceride, malondialdehyde and adiponectin levels were increased, whereas HDL-cholesterol (VPA treated patients) and leptin were decreased in patients compared with controls. Leptin and adiponectin were correlated with WC, triglyceride and malondialdehyde in both groups. Adiponectin was correlated with HDL-cholesterol in VPA patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients should be checked metabolic syndrome components, serum leptin and adiponectin level occasionally to prevent possible deficiency or pathologic increase of these parameters.

Homocysteine as a peripheral biomarker in bipolar disorder: A meta-analysis

Background:

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a psychiatric disorder with an uncertain aetiology. Recently, special attention has been given to homocysteine (Hcy), as it has been suggested that alterations in 1-carbon metabolism might be implicated in diverse psychiatric disorders. However, there is uncertainty regarding possible alterations in peripheral Hcy levels in BD.

Methods:

This study comprises a meta-analysis comparing serum and plasma Hcy levels in persons with BD and healthy controls. We conducted a systematic search for all eligible English and non-English peer-reviewed articles.

Results:

Nine cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analyses, providing data on 1547 participants. Random-effects meta-analysis showed that serum and plasma levels of Hcy were increased in subjects with BD in either mania or euthymia when compared to healthy controls, with a large effect size in the mania group (g= 0.98, 95% CI: 0.8–1.17,P< 0.001,n= 495) and a small effect in the euthymia group (g= 0.3, 95% CI: 0.11–0.48,P= 0.002,n= 1052).

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis provides evidence that Hcy levels are elevated in persons with BD during mania and euthymia. Peripheral Hcy could be considered as a potential biomarker in BD, both of trait (since it is increased in euthymia), and also of state (since its increase is more accentuated in mania). Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the relationship between bipolar disorder and Hcy, as well as the usefulness of peripheral Hcy as both a trait and state biomarker in BD.

Evaluation of leptin levels in serum as a biomarker for suicide behavior: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: We conducted a meta-analysis of case-control studies to determine whether leptin levels in serum contribute to the pathogenesis of suicide behavior.Methods: PubMed, EBSCO and Science Direct databases were used to search for relevant articles published before January 2020. The systematic review included nine case-control studies that measured leptin levels. The standardized mean difference (d) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated in a fixed-effects model and a random-effects model when appropriate.Results: The results of our meta-analysis indicated that individuals with suicide behavior presented reduced levels of leptin (d: -1.80, 95% CI: -2.21 to -01.38 ng/ml, I² = 0, p(Q) = 0.59). Sensitivity and publication bias analyses confirmed these results.Conclusions: The current meta-analysis suggests that leptin levels might be associated with an increased risk of suicide behavior. However, more studies including larger sample sizes are needed to reach conclusive result.

Leptin and psychiatric illnesses: does leptin play a role in antipsychotic-induced weight gain?

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain is the most prevalent somatic adverse event occurring in patients treated by antipsychotics, especially atypical antipsychotics. It is of particular interest because of its repercussion on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality especially now that the use of second-generation antipsychotics has been extended to other mental health illnesses such as bipolar disorders and major depressive disorder. The mechanism underlying antipsychotics-induced weight gain is still poorly understood despite a significant amount of work on the topic. Recently, there has been an on-going debate of tremendous research interest on the relationship between antipsychotic-induced weight gain and body weight regulatory hormones such as leptin. Given that, researchers have brought to light the question of leptin's role in antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Here we summarize and discuss the existing evidence on the link between leptin and weight gain related to antipsychotic drugs, especially atypical antipsychotics.

Adiponectin is decreased in bipolar depression

Objectives: Bipolar disorder (BD) is often accompanied by medical comorbidities, which affect illness course and prognosis. Adipokines may not only be involved in the aetiopathogenetic mechanisms of these comorbidities; there might be an association between adipokines and the neuropsychiatric core features of BD such as mood disturbances and cognitive deficits.Methods: In this investigation, fasting blood samples from 120 individuals with BD (75 euthymic and 45 with mild depressive symptoms) and 68 control subjects were taken and adiponectin and leptin concentrations were analysed.Results: We found that, in female participants, adiponectin levels differed significantly between patients and controls indicating lower levels in individuals with BD, even after controlling for BMI (F(1,92) = 4.65, P = 0.034, partial η² = 0.05). After stratification by mood status we found a significant difference in adiponectin between controls, euthymic and depressive patients (F(2, 180) = 4.90, P = 0.008, partial η² = 0.05).Conclusions: This investigation confirms previous findings of an association between low adiponectin levels and depressive state in individuals with BD. Beyond its immediate effect on central nervous system function, adiponectin might interfere with pathophysiological mechanisms of BD and its somatic comorbidities via involvement in metabolic and inflammatory processes.

Putative neuroprotective pharmacotherapies to target the staged progression of mental illness

AIM

Neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar and schizophrenia frequently exhibit a neuroprogressive course from prodrome to chronicity. There are a range of agents exhibiting capacity to attenuate biological mechanisms associated with neuroprogression. This review will update the evidence for putative neuroprotective agents including clinical efficacy, mechanisms of action and limitations in current assessment tools, and identify novel agents with neuroprotective potential.

METHOD

Data for this review were sourced from online databases PUBMED, Embase and Web of Science. Only data published since 2012 were included in this review, no data were excluded based on language or publication origin.

RESULTS

Each of the agents reviewed inhibit one or multiple pathways of neuroprogression including: inflammatory gene expression and cytokine release, oxidative and nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotrophin dysregulation and apoptotic signalling. Some demonstrate clinical efficacy in preventing neural damage or loss, relapse or cognitive/functional decline. Agents include: the psychotropic medications lithium, second generation antipsychotics and antidepressants; other pharmacological agents such as minocycline, aspirin, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, statins, ketamine and alpha-2-delta ligands; and others such as erythropoietin, oestrogen, leptin, N-acetylcysteine, curcumin, melatonin and ebselen.

CONCLUSIONS

Signals of evidence of clinical neuroprotection are evident for a number of candidate agents. Adjunctive use of multiple agents may present a viable avenue to clinical realization of neuroprotection. Definitive prospective studies of neuroprotection with multimodal assessment tools are required.

Adiponectin levels in patients with bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with high prevalence rates of obesity-related conditions and subclinical inflammation. Adiponectin is produced by adipose tissue and exerts anti-inflammatory activities. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating adiponectin levels in BD patients and healthy controls. Electronic databases were searched from their inception until 15th Jan 2019. Random-effects models with the Hedges' g as the effect size (ES) estimate were used. We included 11 studies, representing 477 patients and 380 controls. Pooled data analysis revealed no significant differences in adiponectin levels between BD patients and controls (ES = 0.28, 95%CI: -0.34 - 0.90, p = 0.372). The levels of adiponectin were significantly higher during euthymia (ES = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.03-2.16, p = 0.044). The levels of adiponectin in depressed patients were lower, but this result did not reach statistical significance (ES = -0.90, 95%CI: -1.85 - 0.05, p = 0.063). Due to low number of studies, the subgroup analysis of manic patients was not performed; however, a severity of manic symptoms was not associated with the ES estimates. Longer illness duration and a higher percentage of BD type I (BD-I) patients were associated with higher ES estimates. A higher severity of depressive symptoms was associated with lower ES estimates. Heterogeneity was significant in all analyses. Results of the Egger's test were insignificant, showing no publication bias. Our results indicate that adiponectin might be a state marker of BD as it appears to be elevated in euthymia and decreased in depression. Illness progression and a diagnosis of BD-I might contribute to higher adiponectin levels.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pioglitazone for bipolar depression

BACKGROUND

Objective of the present study was to conduct an 8-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test the efficacy of pioglitazone in the treatment of bipolar depression.

METHODS

38 outpatients with bipolar disorder and current major depressive episode were randomized to pioglitazone (15-45 mg/day) or placebo. The use of concomitant mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants was permitted. The primary outcome measure was the 30-item Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Clinician Rated (IDS-C30) total score change from baseline to endpoint. Laboratory evaluations, including serum level of inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, were conducted.

RESULTS

37 subjects were analyzed for efficacy (1 subject had no follow-up data). Mean reduction from baseline to week 8 in IDS-C30 score was-6.59 for pioglitazone and -11.63 for placebo. Mixed effects modeling indicated borderline statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.056) in favor of placebo. On analysis of inflammatory and metabolic markers, a statistically significant negative correlation was noted between change in leptin levels and change in depression scores in the pioglitazone group (r = -0.61, p = 0.047) but not in the placebo group, the significance of which is unclear as the study failed to demonstrate antidepressant efficacy of pioglitazone over placebo. No serious adverse effects were reported, and pioglitazone was well-tolerated.

LIMITATIONS

small sample size with inadequate power, concomitant use of other psychotropic medications, and lack of statistical adjustment for multiple testing.

CONCLUSION

Current study does not support the antidepressant efficacy of pioglitazone in the treatment of bipolar depression. (240 words).

Leptin and camel milk abate oxidative stress status, genotoxicity induced in valproic acid rat model of autism

The aspect of treatment of autistic behaviour was investigated using valproic acid rat model of pregnant female rats. Two main groups (10 male rats/group) were treated for 6 days and then divided into six subgroups. The first group of normal rats was divided into three subgroups: (A) – control group, (B) – treated with camel milk (CAM; 2 mL/p.o) and (C) – treated with leptin (1000 µg/kg i.p) twice daily. The second group of autistic rats was randomly distributed into four subgroups as follows: (D) – positive control (autistics rats), (E) – treated with CAM, (F) – treated with a moderate dose of leptin and (G) – treated with a higher dose of leptin. Autistic behaviours of male offspring were checked by grooming and elevated pulz maze tests. Valproic acid (VPA)-induced autistic rats showed severe changes in oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitters and inflammatory cytokines, besides genotoxic manifestation of expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Bax and caspase-3. Leptin or CAM alone showed no signs of toxicity. CAM showed pronounced improvement in control rats than control itself. Leptin or CAM treatment of autistic animals showed a significant improvement of all measured parameters and genetic expression values. The improvement was pronounced in animals treated with CAM. These results suggest that CAM is a potential therapeutic candidate for autism via regulation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Leptin plays an essential role in alleviation of autistic behaviour through antioxidant effects.

Cross talk between serum Kisspeptin-Leptin during assisted reproduction techniques

Background & objective:

Leptin facilitates onset of puberty by impact on hypothalamic Kisspeptin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone. The link of peripheral Leptin-Kisspeptin in regulating the ovarian and endometrial tissue in relation to adiposity is unknown. Therefore, we wanted to identify Kisspeptin-Leptin association with body mass index (BMI) and success of assisted reproductive treatments (ART) in infertile females.

Methods:

A cross sectional study was carried from August 2014 till May 2016 after receiving ethical approval at Australian Concept Infertility Medical Centre, and Aga Khan University. The study group comprised of females with an age range of 25-37 year who had duration of unexplained infertility for more than two years. They were grouped as; underweight (<18 kg/m²), normal weight (18-22.9 kg/m²), overweight 23-24.99 kg/m² and obese (>25 kg/m²). Kisspeptin and Leptin levels were measured by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay before down regulation of ovaries and initiation of treatment protocol of ART. Failure of procedure was detected by beta human chorionic gonadotropin <25mIU/ml (non-pregnant) whereas females with levels >25mIU/ml and cardiac activity on trans-vaginal scan were declared pregnant.

Results:

Highest Kisspeptin and Leptin levels were seen in normal weight group (374.80 ± 185.08ng/L; 12.78 ± 6.8 pg/ml) respectively, yet the highest number of clinical pregnancy was observed in overweight group (42%).A strong correlation of Kisspeptin with Leptin (r=0.794, p=0.001) was observed in the overweight females.

Conclusion:

Leptin-Kisspeptin-fertility link is expressed by maximum number of clinical pregnancies in the female group that showed strongest relationship between serum Leptin and Kisspeptin levels, irrespective of their BMI.

Evaluation of adiponectin and leptin levels and oxidative stress in bipolar disorder patients with metabolic syndrome treated by valproic acid

INTRODUCTION

An increased risk for metabolic syndrome (MS) has been described for people with psychotic and mood disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of valproic acid (VPA) treatment on adiponectin, leptin levels and oxidative stress in bipolar disorder (BD).

METHODS

Forty patients with BD receiving VPA monotherapy and 20 healthy control subjects were included in this study. BD patients were divided into two groups with and without MS as group 1 and group 2, respectively. Twenty BD patients diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM IV) were assessed for MS according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) criteria. Adiponectin, leptin, protein carbonyls, sulfhydryl (-SH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in 40 BD patients and 20 control subjects.

RESULTS

Serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower in group 1 patients than in group 2 and control subjects ( p<.001). Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in group 1 patients than in group 2 and control subjects ( p<.001). Serum -SH levels were significantly lower in group 2 patients than in group 1 ( p<.001) and control subjects ( p<.05). Serum carbonyl levels were significantly higher in group 1 and group 2 patients than in control subjects ( p<.001). Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in group 1 patients than in group 2 and control subjects ( p<.001).

CONCLUSION

These results provide further evidence that VPA treatment for patients with BD contributed to the metabolic disturbances, such as the decreased serum adiponectin and -SH levels, as well as the increased serum leptin, MDA and carbonyl levels.

Lower cognitive functioning as a predictor of weight gain in bipolar disorder: a 12-month study

OBJECTIVE

In cross-sectional studies, elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder (BD). We investigated the direction of this association by prospectively examining changes in BMI and cognition.

METHOD

We measured BMI and performance in six cognitive domains over 12 months in 80 adolescent and young adult BD patients and 46 healthy comparison subjects (HS). Ninety-three percent of patients received pharmacotherapy and 84% were euthymic. We used repeated-measures ancova and longitudinal mixed models to investigate whether (i) higher BMI and increasing BMI over time predicted lower subsequent cognitive functioning, and (ii) lower cognitive functioning and changes in cognition predicted increasing BMI.

RESULTS

Neither baseline BMI nor BMI change predicted lower cognitive functioning. Lower baseline scores in attention, verbal memory, working memory, and a composite measure of global cognition predicted increasing BMI in patients and HS. In patients, lower cognitive functioning remained associated with increasing BMI when clinical and treatment variables were adjusted for. Improvement in working memory predicted a smaller subsequent BMI increase in patients.

CONCLUSION

Lower cognitive functioning in specific domains predicts increasing BMI in patients with BD and healthy young adults. Targeting cognition may be important for minimizing weight gain in BD.

Leptin-LepRb Expressed in Gastric Cancer Patients and Related to Cancer-Related Depression

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder among cancer patients. Studies have not only highlighted that leptin and its receptor (LepRb) are independent poor prognostic factors in gastric cancer (GC) patients but also shown that the leptin-LepRb is necessary for antidepressant-like behaviors. In this study, we examined the serum and tissue leptin-LepRb expression in GC patients. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that depressive GC patients had significantly higher serum leptin-LepRb than healthy donors. Leptin-LepRb levels in GC tissues were also significantly higher than in matched paracarcinoma tissues using real-time RT-PCR. Moreover, we observed that both serum and tissue leptin-LepRb were significantly higher in depressive GC patients than those in nondepressive GC patients. Further, the patients with high tumor stage tend to have higher leptin-LepRb mRNA levels than that with low tumor stage. Together, our findings suggest that leptin-LepRb plays an important role in the pathogenesis and depression in GC. Leptin-LepRb therefore could be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in GC patients with depression.

Elevated Omentin Serum Levels Predict Long-Term Survival in Critically Ill Patients

Introduction. Omentin, a recently described adipokine, was shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its role in critical illness and sepsis is currently unknown. Materials and Methods. Omentin serum concentrations were measured in 117 ICU-patients (84 with septic and 33 with nonseptic disease etiology) admitted to the medical ICU. Results were compared with 50 healthy controls. Results. Omentin serum levels of critically ill patients at admission to the ICU or after 72 hours of ICU treatment were similar compared to healthy controls. Moreover, circulating omentin levels were independent of sepsis and etiology of critical illness. Notably, serum concentrations of omentin could not be linked to concentrations of inflammatory cytokines or routinely used sepsis markers. While serum levels of omentin were not predictive for short term survival during ICU treatment, low omentin concentrations were an independent predictor of patients' overall survival. Omentin levels strongly correlated with that of other adipokines (e.g., leptin receptor or adiponectin), which have also been identified as prognostic markers in critical illness. Conclusions. Although circulating omentin levels did not differ between ICU-patients and controls, elevated omentin levels were predictive for an impaired patients' long term survival.